Dean's Welcome

The West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services is experiencing
great change and I am excited to be a part of it. We remain committed to our
Land-Grant mission and we are looking for even more ways to help improve the lives
of West Virginia youth, adolescents, adults, and families.

From my previous positions, I have learned the importance of having committed, inspirational,
and stable leadership. Prior to joining West Virginia University, I had the opportunity
to serve in various academic leadership positions during my 17 year career at Northern
Arizona University. In my most recent role at NAU, I served as the assistant vice
provost of the Professional Education Unit. I also served as the Director of the
Center for Science Teaching & Learning. My previous experience at NAU included
serving as dean of the College of Education for two years and the associate dean
for eight years. My time at NAU provided me with excellent experiences in the area
of rural education and meeting the needs of a diverse state with many challenges.
I brought this experience with me to WVU and I truly feel a calling to West Virginia
and West Virginia University.

We are working to reach new heights here at CEHS, focusing on our current strengths
by enhancing successful programs and by bringing new innovative programs to the
College. Recent developments, such as our 2+2 degree partnerships with WV community
colleges and our new initiative in Tele-Audiology are two examples of how we are
implementing innovative programs to meet the state’s needs in new way.

We are very proud to launch our new Military Counseling emphasis in our Counseling
Psychology doctoral program. Our Military Counseling emphasis will be the first
in the nation and we recognize the importance of preparing highly qualified human
services professionals, who are prepared to work with our Veterans and their families.
In addition to creating more degree pathways, and providing increased access to
higher education, we remain committed to academic quality. Our rankings, such as
our M.A. in Elementary Education which was recently ranked 5th in the country,
in the 2014 U.S. News & World Report’s best online programs, continues to bring
prestige and attention to the quality of our programs. Ultimately, our success
is measured by the gains in P-12 student learning, student achievement, and the
well-being of West Virginians.

As CEHS enters this new era, I look forward to meeting and working with you. It is
an honor and a privilege to lead the WVU College of Education and Human Services
to continued excellence.
Go Mountaineers!